Masterpieces of 46 European Artists Displayed in Beijing

An art exhibition titled

The Infinite Universe of Wuji: Masterpieces from Galleria Nazionale d’arte Moderna e Contemporanea, has debuted at the China Millennium Monument Museum in Beijing featuring rare authentic artworks of 46 European artists.

The exhibition that kicked off on July 23 has on display a total of 62 masterpieces created by well-known art figures in the 19th and 20th centuries, which besides Van Gogh, also include Picasso, Modigliani, Henri Matisse, and many more.

Among the exhibits, one of the pieces that has attracted much attention is The Gardener by the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. Although he is one of the most famous and influential figures in Western art history, creating about 2,100 pieces of artwork during his lifetime, his talent was only recognized after his death in 1890. This is the first time the painting has been showcased in China and provides a rare chance for Chinese visitors to appreciate the authentic work of the great Dutch artist.

Another important exhibit to make its debut in China is the Portrait of Hanka Zborowska by the Italian expressionist painter Amedeo Modigliani. Modigliani’s portraits are known for their modern artistic style, characterized by having surreal elongated faces, necks, and figures. The portrait displayed at the exhibition is the first in a series of nine portraits he painted of Anna (Hanka) Zborowska between 1916 and 1919.

The exhibits are provided by Galleria Nazionale d’arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Italy, with a total value of more than RMB 1 billion. It is a magnificent feast for art lovers and a precious opportunity for Chinese viewers to get a closer look at modern European art.

The curator of the exhibition, Qian Qian, explained that the title The Infinite Universe of Wuji signifies the disorderly state of Western art history in which various genres of art are thriving. Meanwhile the philosophy behind the Chinese word Wuji means breaking boundaries and limits as well. She hopes that the exhibition will bring the viewers not only the enjoyment of appreciating art but also the courage to break boundaries and go beyond limits.